The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 148.56, subdivision 1, to modify the scope of practice for optometry. It defines the practice of optometry and outlines the activities that constitute this practice, including advertising as an optometrist, using automated testing devices, diagnosing visual system diseases, prescribing lenses and prisms, and administering certain therapeutic vision care. The bill also specifies that optometrists may prescribe or administer legend drugs related to eye care, as long as they adhere to the limitations set by Minnesota statutes and the Board of Optometry.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition for "surgery," which aligns with the most recent standards established by the American Medical Association and the American College of Surgeons. It also removes the term "invasive" from the list of prohibited practices, while maintaining restrictions on the administration of certain drugs, such as Schedule II and III oral legend drugs, oral antivirals, and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, with specified duration limits for their use.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 148.56